TikTok AI Layoffs Trigger Berlin Employee Strike

The TikTok AI layoffs have caused major unrest in Germany. Employees in Berlin walked out to protest job cuts after TikTok announced plans to replace Trust and Safety specialists with artificial intelligence.

Why Employees Are Striking

TikTok aims to automate tasks handled by content moderators and Live department staff. These employees review harmful content and ensure compliance with regulations such as the European Digital Services Act. Without their work, harmful or illegal content could slip through unchecked.

German trade union ver.di revealed that TikTok plans to cut around 150 employees from its German branch. The layoffs not only threaten workers’ livelihoods but could also affect their residency status.

Union Reaction

Ver.di criticized TikTok for replacing human expertise with technology.
“What is being sold as technological progress is a double blow for the employees: they trained the AI themselves, and now they are to be replaced,” the union said.

On July 23, 2025, the affected employees went on strike to protest the planned cuts. They are demanding three years of severance pay and extended notice periods.

TikTok’s Silence

While ver.di has tried to negotiate, TikTok has so far ignored the union’s requests. The company’s push to cut costs with AI has drawn criticism for prioritizing automation over user safety and employee welfare.

AI Replacing Human Talent Across Industries

TikTok is not alone. Companies like Duolingo, Klarna, and Zoom have also shifted to AI-driven operations.

• Duolingo is transitioning to an AI-first company, phasing out contractors and automating internal processes.
• Klarna replaced 700 employees with AI but admitted that customer service quality dropped as a result.
• Zoom tested AI avatars of executives to deliver quarterly updates, signaling a broader shift toward AI-driven corporate operations.

Risks of Replacing Content Moderators with AI

Content moderation requires nuanced human judgment to evaluate harmful or illegal material. AI tools, particularly those developed outside the EU, may not fully comply with local regulations. This could expose TikTok to legal risks and damage its reputation.

Conclusion

The TikTok AI layoffs highlight the tension between automation and human expertise. While AI promises efficiency, it cannot fully replace the critical role of human moderators. The Berlin strike signals growing resistance from workers who refuse to be discarded after helping train the very AI that now threatens their jobs.